Iowa Senate Bill SF19

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

A bill for an act regarding donated leave by state employees.

Impact

If enacted, SF19 would introduce significant changes to state employee benefits related to leave policies. It allows employees to donate their accrued leave hours under specified conditions, enabling them to invite a family member into the fold of their benefits in times of need. This could lead to increased morale among employees who value familial support, thereby potentially enhancing overall job satisfaction and retention rates in the state workforce.

Summary

Senate File 19 (SF19) proposes an act allowing state employees in Iowa to donate their vacation and sick leave hours to eligible family members who are also state employees. The beneficiaries, defined as a spouse, parent, son, or daughter, are granted the ability to receive leave hours to support them during illness or a significant life event. The bill emphasizes the importance of family support in the workplace and aims to create a more compassionate work environment for state employees facing personal challenges.

Contention

During discussions, some concerns were raised regarding the implications of this policy on state leave systems. Critics may argue about the potential for unequal distribution of leave hours or the administrative burden it could place on managing such donations. However, proponents emphasize the positive outcomes of fostering a supportive workplace culture where employees can rely on each other during difficult times.